Joseph C. Kolshak Comes From Delta

Newly-acquired by a team comprised of a Texas equity firm and Northwest Airlines, on Monday Midwest Airlines announced the appointment of Joseph C. Kolshak as chief operating officer. In his new role, Kolshak will have responsibility for directing all aspects of the company's operations functions, including flight operations, flight standards and training, inflight services, customer service, system operations control, safety and regulatory compliance, and maintenance and engineering.

Kolshak comes to Midwest from Delta Air Lines, where he served most recently as executive vice president of operations. At Delta, the nation's third largest carrier, he was responsible for all of Delta's domestic and international operations. Kolshak began a 20-year career with Delta as a line pilot, and served as general manager of flight operations, director of investor relations and senior vice president of flight operations. He holds an Air Transport Pilot's Certificate and is type rated on the DC-9, B-757/767 and B-777 aircraft.

Prior to Delta, Kolshak was a United States Marine Corps pilot and instructor, serving on active duty and in the reserves for 11 years.

"We're pleased that Joe is bringing his tremendous experience to 'The best care in the air,'" said Timothy E. Hoeksema, Midwest Airlines chairman and chief executive officer. "He is a proven leader in the airline industry, and we're looking forward to his joining the senior leadership team at Midwest."

David Reeve, who held dual positions as senior VP of operations and president and chief executive officer of Midwest-subisidiary Skyway Airlines, will continue to serve in his Skyway executive role and as a member of the airline's senior leadership team.

As ANN reported, federal antitrust regulators signed off last month on the sale of Midwest to private equity firm TPG Capital and Northwest for $452 million. Under terms of the deal, Northwest holds a non-executive stake in the smaller airline.

FMI: www.midwestairlines.com